CNG - Sailing By

Good Morning

We have now been onboard the Taransay III for two nights and so far so good. The weather has been exceptional! Sunshine all the way. This is our third day and it is absolutely beautiful! We are heading for Banavie this morning so that we can spend some time in Fort William. We will meet 'the Nephew' and his girlfriend before they sail off East towards Inverness on Lord of the Glens.

So far everything has gone according to plan. On Wednesday, 27th May, we drove down to Edinburgh to pick up Alan and Dorothy, Simon's parents. Their flight was early and it was a pretty decent day for them to view the countryside on the way back to Aberdeen. That was stage 1 of this adventure.

Thursday was a splendid day for Alan and Dorothy to rest and recover from their jetlag.

Friday was a day of getting everything organised for the trip - grocery shopping being top of the list! That done we put off time until half past four and we headed off to Aberdeen airport to pick up Richard and Judy (not the TV personalalities) but Simon's brother and his wife. Again their flight was early so this holiday was getting off to a good start.

We enjoyed a lovely meal on Friday night of, Cullen Skink, followed by haggis neeps and tatties, followed by a chicken and prawn salad. I think that everyone enjoyed it and it was a novelty to have haggis in May!

The next day we left a quarter past nine. Both cars loaded to the 'gunnels'. (A nautical term obviously) We made it to Caley Marina by 12 noon and after much hanging about and waiting for our boat (twice) she was ready for us and we had just loaded our stuff and were in the middle of the demo from Derek, the guy from Caithness who works at Caley, when he noticed that the 'dirty tank' light was on. That could have meant that the toilet tank hadn't been emptied - oh, what a terrible thought! Anyway, they took our boat, Taransay III away again and had it checked. Just a malfunction - or that is what they told us!!! Hope we don't have to empty the tank any time soon. This boat is different from Lakota, what goes in the 'pan' doesn't go overboard it goes in a tank on the boat. I know which one I prefer.

After a boat handling practice we finally headed out of the marina following at least six other boats. It was our own little flotilla. We made it up through Tomnahurich bridge on on up to our first lock, Dochgarroch. It was great to be onboard again. We had Derek accompany us to Dochgarroch and then we were on our own. We headed through Loch Dochfour and I nearly got run over by the Jacobite Cruise boat. I forgot the golden rule, you always make room for them they will not make room for you! Anyway, after that close shave I had learned a lesson - make way for anything bigger than us because they are not going to stop! We made it to Urquhart Harbour in plenty of time to enjoy the evening sun and have a lovely barbecue on the quay side. It was a beautiful eveing. We enjoyed a few glasses of wine and by half past eleven the die hards, Richard, Simon and me, headed for bed - you wouldn't expect less of us.

Must go now and watch what is going on.
Signing off
CNG

Sorry it has been so long since the last update. I am missing being onboard Lakota and having to work is depressing! Sitting in front of a computer all day is so far removed from sailing/motoring on Lakota.

Don did manage to get home, with the help of his RNLI pals. They used the limping Lakota for an exercise in towing a vessel for a fair distance. They arrived in Plockton last Sunday - but sadly, not under their own steam. It just wasn't meant to be. Not the way Donnie wanted to arrive home but after almost five hundred miles it was great to make it home.

The new fuel pump is on order but until it arrives there will be no sailing for Donnie and Lakota. There is also a wee problem with a leak! Nothing too serious but it has to be fixed before the next sailing trip.

Good story from Don this week - He was working onboard keeping his eye open for the golden opportunity to stop for a blether. Little did he know that he was being watched!

This big American gentleman approached and started talking to Don. The first thing he asked was 'Is this your boat?' (Obviously in an American accent - try to imagine it) Second thing was 'Why is she called Lakota?' Donnie duly replies that he wanted to name his boat after the Lakota Tribe. The American gentleman knew about the tribe and as Don explained how he had researched the name on the internet and discovered that the meaning related to friends (the alliance of friends or considered friends)the American was delighted that Don had described the meaning perfectly. When Don asked him if he noticed the symbol on the bow he immediately said 'Oh, the seven arrow heads'. He knew all about the symbol and told Little Don that he was a Native American and he attended annual meetings of fourth generation Native Americans. He told Don that he had not planned on visiting Plockton but fate had brought him there to see the wee Lakota.

You couldn't make this up! I wish that Don had asked more questions and told the Native American more about the trip he had just done and how he had named his first yacht after the Sioux tribe. I know that the nextboat already has a name - Indian theme continuing - that will be another story.

Anyway, it is great remembering the trip and looking at the photos. I sent copies to Dad, Don and Alec this week so the trip continues through the photos.

All the best.
Wish I was 'Sailing By'
CNG

The bold lads have had an interesting day! The wind is back on the 'neb' and they have had to use the motor sail today. Even though, they are heading for the 'Sound of Sleat' which is getting them very close to home.

They hope to get to the end of their trip tonight. They have tide until 11pm and so they are hoping to use that to their advantage and could be 'homecoming queen'!! tonight.

Watch this space.
CNG - Friday night red wine in hand!

Just couldn't resist this - It has been in my head all night.

TIE A YELLOW RIBBON ROUND THE OLD HARBOUR WALL

I'm comin' home, I've done my trip
Now I've got to know what is and isn't mine
If you received my text telling you I'd soon be home
Then you'll know just what to do
If you still want me

Whoa, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old harbour wall
It's been three long weeks
Do ya still want me (still want me)
If I don't see a ribbon 'round the old harbour wall
I'll stay on the boat
Forget about us
Put the blame on me
If I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the old harbour wall

Alan, please look for me
'cause I couldn't bear to see what I might see
I'm really still on board
And my love, she holds the key
A simple yellow ribbon's what I need to set me free
I text and told her please

Whoa, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old harbour wall
It's been three long weeks
Do ya still want me (still want me)
If I don't see a ribbon 'round the old harbour wall
I'll stay on the boat
Forget about us
Put the blame on me
If I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the old harbour wall

Now the whole damned boat is cheerin' (Well Alan anyway)
And I can't believe I see
A hundred yellow ribbons 'round the old harbour wall

I'm comin' home, mmm, mmm

Good old cheesy song. Good happy ending.
Sailing by
CNG

What a day the guys have had. Best sailing of the whole trip. No wet weather gear required today! I just can't imagine what that would be like! We had the worst weather possible but Alan Main gets onboard and the sun shines and the wind is perfect. Wish he had been on our crew!

They are now in Tobermory after nine hours sailing. They did about 46 miles. The longest voyage so far. They got up to 7.5 knots for a short time but they were over six knots quite a few times. We were thrilled to make it to 6.2 knots a couple of times! Lindsay eat your heart out!

With a little luck and wind in the sails they should make it home tomorrow night.

Good luck to you both and great show Lakota.
Speak soon.
CNG

Lakota is heading home. They left this morning at twenty to eleven. Alan Main is onboard and they are sailing! Yes, they are using the sails, for a change! They managed to get up to 7.2 knots under sail this morning. That is the best speed of the whole trip. No 'wind on the neb' today.

Will load photos later.

Here's a wee song to celebrate. Apologies for the word 'gay'

Westering home and a song in the air
Light in the eye and its goodbye to care
Laughter o' love and a welcoming there
Isle o' my heart my own one

Tell me o' lands o' the Orient gay
Speak o' the riches and joys o' Cathay
Aye but its grand to be wakin' each day
To find yourself nearer to Plockton
(Chorus>
Where are the folk like the folk o' the West
Cantie and couthie and kindly the best (cheerful and pleasant)
There I would hie me and there I would rest (hide)
At hame wi' my ain folk in Plockton (home with my own)

More updates as I get them.
Well done lads.
May the wind be in your sails.
CNG

Donnie has been onboard by himself for another day. He seems happy as Larry! He managed get down to the sea lock and is ready to go as soon as Alan arrives. The last leg is the big one! Heading home after more than two weeks. I hope that there is a reception party there to meet them.

The good news is, he has had a shave. That must have been sore! Imaac would have been the answer!

Donald Jocky's photos are on the blog and he has some lovely pictures. The West Coast is so much bonnier than the East Coast. It shows in the photos. Mind you, we were at a disadvantage, we had rubbish weather and no sunshine. Maybe we could have had better pictures if the sun had shone.

Anyway, looking forward to Donnie heading North on the West coast. Christine will be happy to get the old dog home!

Signing off after a day in the office (yeuch)
CNG

What kind of staying power is that? Two nights!!! The North East toughies managed seven nights! What does that tell you?

Could it be the fact that Little Don hadn't had a shower in a few days that drove the West coasters off the Lakota? Couldn't blame them if that was the reason. Maybe the rough weather in Loch Ness was too much? Anyway, we get points for staying onboard longer than Donald Jocky and Rossy.

I hope that Don manages to eat corned beef hash every day until his crew arrives. We refused to have it so there is masses left. Who on earth would eat corned beef hash if they weren't starving and on top of a mountain? A combination of that and porrige will be his staple diet for the next few days.

What a beautiful day! No wind, rain, hailstones, big waves or smelly blokies! BLISS! Not that I don't miss the boat and the boys but it is good to be home. I had a great sleep last night and a long lie this morning. What a joy!

Update from the West Coasters - They did go through Loch Ness yesterday - with the usual weather. Wind on the neb, lumpy water and hailstones. Sound familiar? So much for a nice easy cruise to Fort Augustus! They made it there last night and this morning woke to sunny weather and Christine and Morgan there to see them. They boarded at the bottom of the flight and once at the top had bacon sarnies and tea before the intrepid sailors headed West. They must have made good time because tonight they are tied to the quay in Banavie. At least Little Don will get a shower there. He must be as high as a kite by now. He tells me he hasn't shaved yet so he must be pretty crusty by now!

The plan is, they will go down Neptune's Staircase tomorrow, Donald Jocky and Rossy will get the bus home and Don will stay with Lakota until his next crew member joins on Thursday for the long haul back up the West coast to Plockton.

It has been a brilliant voyage so far and no doubt the next leg will be just as interesting. Maybe for a change, they will get to sail for a while.

I will have plenty to say over the coming days so don't give up on us yet. I have uploaded a bunch of photos to bore you to tears.

Signing off from dry land.
CNG

Well, the day has finally come - we have to get off and go home!

Our time on Lakota was not without its trials but it certainly was an experience never to be forgotten. We had such a laugh (mostly at Alec's expense) and the time together will always be special.

We eventually reached the canal this morning about 9am. There was only one other yacht going through so it was easy. I was especially delighted to be coming in to the canal from the sea. Having holidayed on the canal last year and being restricted to staying within the locks it was exciting to come through the very first locks and in to Clachnaharry.

We were met at the lock keepers cottage by Rossy (not sure if it is y or ie - sorry) and Donald Jockey (that is what Little Don calls him so that is all I have to go on). Anyway, I have to tell you that the new crew have far more exciting careers than us - Rossy is an UNDERTAKER and Donald Jockey is a TRAIN DRIVER - I know, you couldn't make it up!! Just wait for the paramedic!

We took on 44 litres of diesel and to Don's delight it was cheaper than he expected. Not often that happens!

We then went up the flight at Muirtown and that was when we were chucked off!! I told Little Don I would be glad to see the back of him. Not strictly true but he was a bit High - no shower for him for two days and he hasn't shaved since he left home. I hope Christine arrives after the shower and shave! We had to leave and let the other guys get on with it. I was really sorry not to be going up the canal with Lakota. She is such a great wee boat. I am so impressed with how she (and Little Don) handled the weather she was faced with. I will never forget the bl**dy waves from yesterday. It was a pain in the neck!

I will keep the blog going tomorrow when I get an update from the guys. The last I heard was from Don about quarter to three and they were heading in to Loch Ness. I just hope the wind is not on their 'neb'!

Now that I am clean with straight hair and a glass of red wine in my hand I am ready to go to my soft, clean, cosy bed. Eat your heart our Rossy and Donald Jocky!!!

Have a great trip.
Signing off from dry land.

CNG